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Questions / Jesus

Can’t I just follow Jesus on my own?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Fr. Mike Schmitz

Video: Can't I Go Straight to Jesus? Do I Need the Catholic Church? [Fr. Mike Weighs In], Ascension Presents, published Jul 17, 2024. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: You can try, but faith was never meant to be solo: “No one can believe alone, just as no one can live alone.” CCC 166

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Faith is personal, the free answer of a person to God. But it isn’t an isolated act. CCC 166

“No one can believe alone, just as no one can live alone.” CCC 166

You received faith from others, and you’re meant to hand it on to others. CCC 166

Our words

Jesus didn’t write a book and leave. He gathered people. Following Him has always meant following Him together.

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Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph
  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 166 (official text on vatican.va).

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